SUNY Oswego is ramping up hazing prevention and education efforts across campus heading into the 2023-2024 academic year. Representatives from the Office of Student Conduct, Intercollegiate Athletics, Campus Recreation, and Student Engagement and Leadership have been meeting regularly since January 2023 to develop a campus-wide strategy for engaging students, organizations, coaches, and club advisors on the topic of hazing.
One of the first tasks taken up by the group was to update Oswego’s institutional anti-hazing statement:
Student groups, organizations, and athletic teams are an integral component of campus life. At all times participants in University programs and activities are expected to act in accordance with the Code of Conduct and treat others with respect. Hazing can happen in any organization and is not limited to fraternities and sororities. In all forms, hazing is abusive, degrading, psychologically damaging, often life-threatening, and has no place within the SUNY Oswego community. The University takes every report of hazing seriously and will investigate all complaints thoroughly and vigorously to ensure all students are treated with fairness and dignity. Those found responsible for committing, soliciting, encouraging, directing, aiding, or recklessly permitting hazing to occur will be subject to disciplinary action and could face either suspension or expulsion.
The new statement, along with reporting resources and examples of what hazing can be, can be found on this new landing page for hazing information.
A core component of the revamped prevention strategy will be enhanced training and education for student leaders and club officers. Staff from Student Engagement and Leadership, located in The Point, provide mandatory risk management training for club officers which has been expanded this Fall to place greater emphasis on the topic of hazing.
The Departments of Campus Recreation and Intercollegiate Athletics will also be hosting separate, mandatory in-person training sessions for officers and captains of sports teams. Team coaches and advisors will receive a letter with detailed information on how to recognize signs of hazing and expectations for reporting any concerning behavior.
To encourage reporting of hazing concerns, amnesty from potential disciplinary action may now be granted to students who come forward in good faith to report activity within a group or organization that may qualify as hazing. Anonymous reports will continue to be accepted, though may limit the ability to hold involved parties accountable.
As the Class of 2027 joins our community, we hope that all student leaders, captains, coaches, and advisors take measures to ensure our new students feel welcome, safe, and respected. Student groups and teams are encouraged to adopt recruitment strategies that are inclusive and drive a sense of belonging among members.
For additional support, student organizations should visit The Point, club sports should contact Campus Recreation, and DIII intercollegiate athletes should contact the Director of Intercollegiate Athletics.
-- Submitted by the Office of Student Conduct